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Cologne

Cologne was raised to a 'colony' (hence the name), with city status by the Romans in 50 AD, and was later absorbed into the Gallic Empire, becoming the capital from 260-271. The city was highly prized by both of these communities, due mainly to its location on the River Rhine, which placed it at the intersection of the major trade routes east and west, and was the basis of Cologne's growth. In addition to this, several saints were martyred in the city and the relics of the Three Magi were acquired from Milan. Cologne then also became a centre of ecclesiastical importance, as well as a pilgrimage centre, meaning the city continued to prosper in the middle ages as a result. Following a slight decline in the city's fortunes, Cologne experienced something of a renaissance in the 18th century with a recipe involving distilling flower blossoms in alcohol. This 'toilet water' achieved worldwide fame as eau de Cologne.

Although Cologne was badly damaged in the Second World War, the Cathedral survived, and extensive restoration work has since taken place throughout the city. In the modern age Cologne has reclaimed its old role as a major trade and business centre - now a radio and television metropolis, and a beer city, with over twenty breweries producing Kölsch, the distinctive local beer. Whilst in Cologne you really ought to visit the vast Cathedral. The foundation stone was laid in 1248, and it was finally completed in 1880. Called "the mother of all German churches", it is one of the largest Gothic structures ever built, and its size reflects its power - it is the seat of the Primate of Germany. The Cathedral was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1996, and today you can see the relics of the Three Magi, and climb the south tower for a spectacular view of the city and the Rhine.

Sightseeing in Cologne
Cologne's Old Town, which has been carefully restored to preserve its pre-war appearance, is also a joy to discover. It spreads from just south of the Cathedral to the bank of the Rhine. Here you can admire the tall and narrow pastel-coloured houses, set out along the Old Town's winding streets, as you wander to the Rhine Promenade for a stroll along the river. There are many traditional brewery taverns close to the Old Town, all of which serve Kölsch beer - brewed only in Cologne. You may wish to visit at least one of these to sample the beer for yourself.

If you have the time to explore further, Cologne boasts an assemblage of both Roman and medieval remains that is unsurpassed in Germany. For example Eigelsteintor, one of the three surviving magnificent city gates, is a short distance north. The other gates, Severinstor and Hahnentor, are further afield but also worth a visit.

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23 results matching: Escorted Rail Tours to Cologne

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Zell am See
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4.3 stars(100 reviews)
2024MayJunJulAugSepOct
9 days from
£2,095 pp
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  • DestinationAustria
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
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Glacier Express & St Moritz
Last 100 Spaces
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4.2 stars(73 reviews)
2024MayJunJulAugSep
9 days from
£3,145 pp £2,995 pp
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  • DestinationSwitzerland
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
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Rhine Gorge
Rail & Cruise
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4.3 stars(121 reviews)
2024MayJunJulSepOct
2025MayJunJul
8 days from
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  • DestinationFrance, Germany, The Netherlands
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
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Salzburg
Rail & Cruise
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4.2 stars(65 reviews)
2024JunJulAug
2025JunJulAug
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  • DestinationAustria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
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Grand Alpine Explorer
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4.5 stars(16 reviews)
2024MayJunJulAugSep
14 days from
£3,895 pp £3,795 pp
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  • DestinationAustria, Germany, Switzerland
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International / London Heathrow
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Free Cabin Upgrade
9 days from
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  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
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Pfalzgrafenstein Castle
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4.8 stars(28 reviews)
2024JunJulSep
2025MayJunJul
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Interlaken & the Jungfrau Express in Winter
4.5 stars(39 reviews)
2025JanFebMar
7 days from
£1,795 pp
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  • DestinationSwitzerland
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
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Danube Bend
Rail & Cruise
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4.6 stars(10 reviews)
2024JunJulAug
2025JunJulAug
11 days from
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  • DestinationAustria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
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The Harz Mountains
4.6 stars(67 reviews)
2025JanFeb
7 days from
£1,395 pp
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  • DestinationGermany
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
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7 days from
£1,295
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  • DestinationGermany
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
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8 days from
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  • DestinationAustria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
  • Starts / EndsLondon Heathrow
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Our customers love our Cologne tours
Classic Glacier Express at New Year
16/Jan
Clifford Smy
5 stars
“Great scenery. Kay, our tour manager, was brilliant.
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Austrian Alps All-Inclusive
28 Oct 2023
Alan Bowles
5 stars
“We very much enjoyed this mini adventure, The hotel was typically Austrian - good food and comfortable. We liked the tour manager and delighted in the wonderful hotels in Mannheim and Cologne on the journeys. We think that it was a very busy holiday; we realised this I’m advance but good to know.
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The Majestic Rhine
14 Oct 2023
Robert
5 stars
“Modern boat with competent staff and excellent cuisine. Good balance with excursions and free time to relax and excellent value for money. Helpful and customer focused on board tour manager..
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First-Class Glacier Express, Zermatt and Matterhorn
10 Oct 2023
Tom A.
5 stars
“It was the best trip we have ever taken. Of course, we have perfect weather throughout the trip, a great group and the BEST Tour Director in Patricia Issac.
Collected by Trustpilot
The Classic Blue Danube
25 Sep 2023
stella lewis
5 stars
“The Amadeus crew looked after us extremely well and the ship was in pristine condition
Collected by Trustpilot
The Romantic Rhine
12 Aug 2023
David Parmley
5 stars
“An excellent itinerary, undertaken at a relaxed and enjoyable pace.
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Interlaken and the Jungfrau Express in Winter
22/Mar
Cook
4 stars
“5tttttyyyy
Collected by Trustpilot
The Harz Mountains in Winter
14/Mar
Brian Hubble
4 stars
“Good overall. Food indifferent. Excellent tour manager.
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Interlaken and the Jungfrau Express at Christmas
8/Jan
Maggie Lodge
4 stars
“Fabulous Scenery ..Hotel Metropole Interlaken lovely. Only complaints were dinner every night not good..Spaghetti with Veal and Cabbage for Christmas Dinner..Chef needs replacing for one with better ideas. Also expected to walk to and from Hotel to Railway Station..no transport provided walk was about half a mile at least ..Not good if you are elderly of have problems..Taxis €20 each way which added to your spending ..We were not expecting. Tour Guide nice..Excursions amazing .. Luggage on trains a BIG problem
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